Week One

1 February 2006 16:44

Last time around, the opening day victory over England made Wales' season because it gave us a great kick-start and to a certain extent it knocked England back.

Ironically, even though Wales are Gland Slam champions, the pressure is on England this year - they're the home team. If they lose the first game it puts them under pressure, whereas Wales, even if they lose the opening encounter, still have three home games to come.

There are no huge surprises in the Wales line-up. We are without six or seven key players and our depth of resources doesn't quite match England or France. The injuries are a blow, but I don't see them impacting on the way we will play.

The two centres Mike Ruddock has brought in, Matthew Watkins and Hal Luscombe, are both running centres so the style should not deviate too much from last year.

It's great to see Mark Jones back after a couple of horrific years with knee problems. He has pace in abundance and Wales will want to get the ball to him as much as possible.

Andy Robinson has named a hefty team - the backline is very physical. Ben Cohen, Mark Cueto, Mike Tindall and Jamie Noon certainly know how to mix it with Wales.

I expect Lawrence Dallaglio to play an important role for England during the tournament - to bring someone with that strength of character into the squad can only be a good thing.

Robinson has possibly given himself a comfort blanket by naming Dallaglio and Matt Dawson on the bench and I'm sure they'll get some game time if things don't go to plan.

Whether their inclusions indicate a lack of confidence in the players in the starting XV remains to be seen.

Wales enjoy playing the quick game so England will look to slow us down and control the breakdown.

If England give Wales time and space, we will score points. England have the edge but Wales will head to Twickenham with all guns blazing.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

The trial introduction of bonus points to the RBS 6 Nations, the Women's Six Nations and the Under 20s Six Nations will enhance the Championships and encourage positive rugby according to Six Nations Chief Executive Officer John Feehan.

Wales acting head coach Rob Howley, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will all work under Warren Gatland on next summer's British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand.